OUT NOW
August/September 2011

August/September 2011
 
Techno happy
Software and apps to help you plan your big day

The perfect party
Get creative with your reception ideas

A decent proposal
A collection of heart-warming engagement ideas

Entertainment
From harpists to magicians, we've got in covered

A moment in time
Local photographers give us the low-down on the all-important wedding shots

The secret garden
Stylish gowns with whimsical floral details

Written in the stars
How to plan your nuptials according to astrology with tips from Russell Grant

Time Trial
Slick watches for stylish men

Setting up home
Stylish Scandinavian-style pieces

Real Weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms

Wax on, wax off
The team at County Weddings HQ try out hair removal products

Local lovelies
We take a look at some of the finest venues in Hertford and ware

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
23rd September 2011

Our day: Hannah & Barry
 
Our day: Hannah & Barry
Image provided by Nicola Norton Photography
 
Hannah Wright and Barry O'Rourke opted for a traditional wedding littered with romantic personal touches

Many long lasting romances develop in the confines of the work place, and that was the case for Hannah Wright and Barry O'Rourke. "We were working on the same team," remembers Hannah. "We developed a friendship, which eventually turned into something more." But it wasn't until the couple went on a minibreak that Barry popped the question. "We went on a romantic weekend to Oxford - the proposal was a total surprise, but a fantastic one," says Hannah.

Following their engagement Hannah and Barry tied the knot at Fanhams Hall, Ware on 24th October, 2010 in front of their family and friends. Hannah tells us more about the big day.

My bouquet consisted of cream roses with additional purple flowers and silver twigs, which I chose to fit in with our dark blue and silver colour scheme.

I chose a beautiful dress by Sottero & Midgley. The gown had an ornate bodice with embellishment and an A-line skirt.

Barry wore a dark grey morning suit, as did his best man and two ushers, who were friends from university.

My three bridesmaids wore midnight blue floor length dresses with matching pendant necklaces and silver sandals - they looked fantastic.

My sister-in-law Claire made our wedding favours, which were vanilla cupcakes for the girls and chocolate ones for boys - they went down really well!

We loved our entire wedding - from beginning to end, we had the best day of our lives. We were really lucky as everything went to plan.

To read on see page 28 of the current issue.

Vintage elegance at it's best!
 
Vintage elegance at it's best!
 

www.dressityourself.co.uk
has a fantastic new range of lace favour bags, vintage cameo brooches, lace ribbon, tea lights, pearls and doilies to add the perfect finnishing touch to your vintage theme tables. They also stock matching guest books and card boxes. Working hand in hand with their sister company www.thedreamweddingcompany.com they can make put them together for you or you can do it yourself. They can even set it all up on the day! The dream wedding company also supply chair covers and backdrops with lace detailing.

For more information call 01727 800 381 or visit the websites.


Planning problems
If you're big day is looming and the pressure is too much, don't feel too proud to ask for help. It's perfectly acceptable - and normal - to delegate tasks to bridesmaids, the mother-of-the-bride and your groom. And if they're looking for entertainment inspiration what better place to start than our feature on page 57, from string quartets to bouncy castles, we look at all the options. With your photos being the lasting memory of the big day, we've taken the liberty of speaking to a few of the region's finest photographers to get an insight on the wedding album essentials. Find out more on page 39.

And as an added extra this issue check out the Steal my Style feature on page 61 for a sneaky peak on the theme, flowers and fashion I've chosen for my big day - I hope you find it inspiring as you continue planning your own dream wedding.

Enjoy the issue!

Louise Prance, Editor
 
Make sure your email editor@yourhertsbedswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news

Win a photo shoot with a difference worth more than £1000!
 
Win a photo shoot with a difference worth more than £1000!
 
Hertfordshire-based photographers Kim and Jeanette from Cocoon Photography have teamed up with Katy from Make-Up by Katy, Alexandra, a stylist from The Bijou Bride and Gordon, a videographer from Iota Media to give you the chance to win a fantastic photo shoot with a difference.

With pre-wedding shoots growing in popularity, they are the perfect chance to gain some all-important experience in front of the camera before your big day. This fantastic prize offers you and your husband-to-be the chance to win a styled photo shoot and pre-wedding video interview at a location of your choice.

Before the day, Alexandra will discuss styling ideas for you both to make sure you're dressed to impress, while Katy will make you look and feel fabulous with professionally applied make-up. Gordon will chat to you using a set of pre-agreed questions and video each of you separately. Your pre-wedding video could then be used during your ceremony, reception, wedding blog or even a quirky online DVD invitation. Kim and Jeanette will also be capturing the session on camera, taking both informal and more styled photos for you to take away and act as a keepsake from the day.

The prize includes:
 
Enter here

Spotlight on Hertford and Ware
 
Spotlight on Hertford and Ware
 
Fanhams Hall Hotel

Perfect for those who want a traditional wedding with a modern twist, this converted Jacobean manor epitomises luxury. Whether its an intimate family gathering or a lavish celebration, Fanhams Hall has a number of locations to suit any event with a capacity of up to 130 guests. With three magnificent suites to choose from, the hotel's interior is abundant with warming fireplaces and historic touches suited to a winter wedding. For summer nuptials the formal gardens are alive with nature, featuring tumbling waterfalls and vibrant blooms to provide the ideal backdrop for your photos.

Did you know... Fanhams Hall has its own Japanese tea house situated in the hotel grounds. Licensed for civil ceremonies, it would make a stylish setting for an unusual wedding.

Find out more... 01920 885245 or www.ehvenues.com

For more venues in Hertford and Ware see page 17 of the current issue.

Subscribe
 
To buy a copy for just £2.95 post free or to order a subscription of six issues for just £15, please visit our web site...
www.yourhertsbedswedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000

Giveaways
 
We have some terrific prizes up for grabs
Click here to enter

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Find your local wedding suppliers...
 
Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from businesses in your area who will help you with your dream wedding.
 
Find your local wedding suppliers...
 
Find your local wedding suppliers...





Entertainment for all
 
Entertainment for all
 
Once the vows have been read and the confetti thrown, it's time to get the party started. However, the entertainment doesn't have to be limited to the evening. Whether it's a classy vocalist as you walk down the aisle, or a bouncy castle for the kids, we look at some great options for your big day

Inflatable fun
Figuring out how to entertain the younger guests at a wedding is often a concern for many newlyweds-to-be. However, if you're opting for summer nuptials kids will love causing havoc on a bouncy castle. Set the inflatable up outside the venue, just near enough for the parents to be able to keep a watchful eye, and far enough away that the guests without children can enjoy a glass of something fizzy in peace.

Abacus Bouncy Castles supplies a range of inflatables including games, jousts, bungee runs and more.

Visit www.abacusbouncycastles.org.uk for more information.

Find a supplier


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